The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in community sport facilities to increase the opportunities for athletes of all levels across the state and support local events with lighting upgrades at Albion Park to boost the sporting possibilities in the area.
For almost 50 years, the Albion Park Football Club has been supporting local athletes from under fives, right up to senior's men's and women's teams - including Matilda's champion Caitlin Foord.
Before becoming an internationally renowned soccer superstar, Caitlin grew her love for football playing at Albion Park.
An investment of $331,376 from the NSW Government has allowed for the installation of new, professional lighting on three of the club's largest field. This will allow aspiring Matildas and Socceroos to train for longer and the club to host larger, multi-team night matches.
Previously, players and supporters would need to travel to the city for these games, however, this investment will mean more competitions can be played locally.
Many club members have full-time jobs so being able to train after work, or into the early evening in the winter months is a great benefit.
This is the latest announcement in the NSW Government's work to invest in and boost female participation in local sport, which has included:
- $250,000 to Sport NSW to deliver the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project which will expand on Sport NSW's female leadership and Fast Track for Female Coaches program to increase the number of female leaders and coaches in NSW sport.
- $30 million to the Level the Playing Field Program which will revive sport facilities by providing new or upgrading existing sport facilities.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"These upgrades create a quality, safe and well-lit environment for players to hone their skills during training and competition matches year-round.
"As well as being able to perfect their skills, team sports are about fostering a sense of community and connection and Albion Park is a special club where lifelong friendships are forged on and off the field."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"The Illawarra has some fantastic sporting clubs, and I'm thrilled to see the Albion Park Soccer Club receive these brand new lights to help them extend their training and playing time.
"This club has produced many nationally renowned soccer players and continues to help promote soccer and an active lifestyle to local young people. I can't wait to see the benefits these lighting upgrades bring to the club and the community."
Duty MLC for Kiama Sarah Kaine said:
"Albion Park Football club is a growing club, with lots of new teams this season. These upgrades will help the club accommodate these growing numbers and provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.
"This lighting upgrade is a fantastic improvement for the club. It enhances safety, increases accessibility, and allows for longer hours of operation. This means more training sessions, more matches, and more opportunities for the community to stay active and engaged."
Australian Professional Football player Caitlin Foord said:
"It's fantastic to see the boom in interest from girls wanting to play football in the area that I grew up in, off the back of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"I hope these recent professional lighting upgrades will provide girls both extra time and opportunity on the pitch to learn and enjoy the game like I did when I was at Albion Park, and I can't wait to see where that love of the game will take them."
Albion Park Soccer Club President Simon Sciberras said:
"Both a Matilda and Socceroos have honed their skills playing on Albion Park's fields before finding their feet on the world stage.
"One of Australia's greatest ever Socceroos, Luke Wilkshire, played for the Albion Park Football Club, so too did the late Stephen Laybutt, who went on to play for the Socceroos after being a junior at our club.
"It's not all about the professional athletes, we support every local football player of any age to reach their full potential, and help foster the discipline, comradery and dedication that's associated with the sport to our younger members."
Junior member of the Albion Park Soccer Club Zali Middleton said:
"I'm currently in my second season with the Albion Park Football Club, and with lots of training and practice one day I hope to be just like the Matildas girls."
